Storage rack construction

ABSTRACT

The disclosure hereof comprises a rack unit which is availed of in a plurality thereof and adapted to be stacked one above the other or superimposed so as to provide for a storage of pipe bars or other elongated members when the racks are used in pairs and superimposed in pairs a basic feature being directed toward added strength and simplicity of construction. By formation of the rack units of the disclosure, the same are intended to be superimposed one upon the other and when pairs of superimposed racks are used, the strength and weight distribution is such that vastly greater loads are supportable with an increased safety factor and facility of manufacture not heretofore available.

United States Patent 1,940,242 12/1933 Burgess STORAGE RACK CONSTRUCTION 8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[1.8. CI 211/60, 214/105 Int, Cl A47f 7/00 Field of Search 21 1/49, 60, 60,128,177;214/10.5;248/151 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary Examiner-Nile C. Byers, Jr. AIl0rneyRobb & Robb ABSTRACT: The disclosure hereof comprises a rack unit which is availed of in a plurality thereof and adapted to be stacked one above the other or superimposed so as to provide for a storage of pipe bars or other elongated members when the racks are used in pairs and superimposed in pairs a basic feature being directed toward added strength and simplicity of construction. By formation of the rack units of the disclosure, the same are intended to be superimposed one upon the other and when pairs of superimposed racks are used, the strength and weight distribution is such that vastly greater loads are supportable with an increased safety factor and facility of manufacture not heretofore available.

STORAGE RACK CONSTRUCTION One of the primary purposes of the instant invention is to provide a rack unit which is essentially of U-shaped construction upwardly open and arranged so that one rack unit may be positioned above another and so on to any preferred height where stability may be maintained, and in conjunction with a similar stack of racks, provide for the storage of pipes and bars and the like so that the same may be withdrawn as required, or entire stacks or sections of such removed by suitable equipment provided therefor, it being apparent that where long lengths of members to be stored are provided, a third or even fourth series of stackedracks may be availed of for storage purposes.

More specifically the invention contemplates the use of increased strength of the elements comprising the same consisting primarily of a base member of relatively unusual construction as far as racks of this nature are concerned in that it is essentially H-shaped in cross section or it may be an I-beam in what may be termed a position on its side or specifically resting upon the flanges thereof, such arrangement affording greatly increased strength over heretofore commonly used channel members as will be apparent since additional flange portions are provided which obviously substantially increase the strength but which have not heretofore been thought usable for this purpose because of potential damage to items stored thereon.

More specifically the rack units of this invention include columns which are upright and fastened to the ends of the base member to provide the U-shaped configuration described previously, which columns are themselves of identical configuration and so constituted as to be connected to the base members in a unique manner as by welding or the like to take advantage of the formation of the columns and the great rigidity of construction provided thereby.

An even more specific object of the invention is to provide the columns with means at the upper ends thereof to facilitate the positioning of superimposed rack units of substantially identical construction to prevent both transverse and lateral movement of such superimposed rack unit in a simple and positive manner at the same time affording means to handle the rack unit, since the means fixed at the upper ends of the column may be used as handles for such purpose.

Another object of the invention is to provide the rack units of the general character described and of specific forms suggested, wherein the means fixed at the upper parts of the columns are not only means for positioning the racks with respect to one another, but also adapted to transmit certain portions of the load of the upper or superimposed rack unit to that beneath the same by reason of the arrangement of the parts and formation as well as position thereof.

Other and further objects of the invention will be understood from a consideration of the specification appended hereto and disclosed in the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack unit constructed in accordance with the concept hereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rack unit in side elevation with a superimposed rack unit positioned thereabove, the latter being only partially illustrated.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the major portion of the rack unit illustrating a filler block in place therein.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view showing portions of racks and the interengagement of the columns thereof for support and transmission of load illustration.

FIG. 5 illustrates in perspective a filler block such as is used in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates the blank which is used to form the columns of the invention in order to disclose the simplicity of such construction.

Referring now to the drawing, FIG. 1 discloses the rack unit of the. invention as comprising essentially a base member generally denoted 1 which in this instance is comprised of an I- beam laid on its side so to speak, having the flange portions 2 and 3 extending upwardly from the horizontal web 4 which is essentially the backbone of the l-beam, the I-beam of course including further the lower flange portions 5 and 6 for the lbeam or base member 1. As will be understood, this I-beam construction is essentially a standard form and so intended. providing as it does a pocket so to speak in the upper portion thereof for purposes which will be hereinafter set forth.

Referring further to the FIG. 1 disclosure, it will be seen that a pair of columns 7 and 8 are provided, extending upwardly from the base member 1, said columns being formed so as to be generally U-shaped in cross section including the transverse web 9 and the vertical side flanges 10 for the column 7 with an identical formation of column for the column 8 with a transverse web 11 and vertical side flanges Adverting momentarily to the FIG. 6 disclosure, it is pointed out that the columns 7 and 8 are formed from a blank such as is disclosed in this FIG., wherein the web such as that for the column 7 and denoted 9, comprises the central section with the vertical side flanges 10 extending outwardly therefrom, the entire column brought into being by bending the same along the dotted line such as 9a and 9b. It will be seen that this affords a lower edge 9c with an upper edge 9d for the transverse web 9; a similar arrangement for the column 8 being obviously provided since both are substantially identical and formed from a blank such as that hereinbefore described. v

As suggested by the FIG. 2 disclosure, the columns 7 and 8 are welded at 13 and 14 as indicated so that the edges of the vertical side flanges of each column are in a substantially vertical position, or more specifically at substantially right angles to the edges of the flange portions of the base member 1.

It will be seen therefore that the edges of the lower ends of the transverse webs of the columns 7 and 8 rest upon the upper edges of the flange portions 2 and 3 of the base member 1, with the lower edges of the vertical side flanges being welded outside of and along the flange pdrtions 2 and 3 of the base member 1 as indicated at 13 and 14 in FIG. 2.

At the upper end of each of the columns 7 and 8 certain means are fixed which comprise a Ushaped part designated 15 in each case, with the open side thereof facing the U- shaped part of the corresponding opposite column, such U- shaped parts consisting of a relatively narrow body having the ends bent so as to provide for fastening the same at the upper ends of the vertical side flanges of each respective column. It will therefore be seen that these parts 15 provide for positioning of a superimposed rack unit having a base member 1 identical to the base member I previously described in FIG. 1, and along the lines illustrated in FIG. 2, so that the extremities of the base member abut interiorly of the U-shaped parts 15, and are thus positioned and maintained in position on the upper ends of the columns of the lower unit as indicated. This provides for correct position of the upper unit and at the same time prevents transverse or lateral displacement movement thereof particularly when loads are imposed on each of the respective units.

It will also be noted from the foregoing that the upper edges of the upper ends of the columns 7 and 8 and specifically of the transverse webs 9 and 11 thereof, provide for the support of the superimposed rack unit and specifically the base 1 thereof as by engaging with the lower edges of the lower flange portions 5 and 6 of the base member as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Since the great rigidity and stiffness of the base members in each case provide for substantial loads, it may under certain circumstances be desirable to supply a seat plate such as indicated at 16 in FIG. 4, welded at the upper end of each of the columns 7 and 8, and extending across between the vertical side flanges thereof, and within the U-shaped part 15. It will be apparent that this will distribute the load somewhat over the upper end of each of the columns from the superimposed rack unit positioned thereabove.

Since it is also desirable under any loading conditions to provide for even greater distribution of the loads imposed by superimposed rack units, FIG. 4 is referred to as showing a U- shaped part designated 18 which is substantially identical in general configuration to that denoted and previously described. In this case however, such part 18 includes the ends 19 thereof which are welded at 20 to the upper ends or along the upper ends of the vertical side flanges 10, for example, such ends 19 and the transverse connecting portion 20 extending therebetween, extending far enough above the end with the lower extremities or edges of the vertical side flanges 10 of the superimposed unit.

It will thus be seen that loads imposed upon the upper of the base member 1 will be in turn partially transmitted through the side flanges 10 of said member to the vertical side flanges 10 of the lower rack unit by means of this U-shaped part 18.

The balance of the load of course will be carried by the transverse web in usual conditions, and in this case through the seat plate 16 positioned therealong from the lower edges of the base member 1 and specifically of the flange portions 5 and 6 thereof, for example.

Since the upper edges of the flange portions 2 and 3 of the base member 1 will under certain condition cause damage or marking to tubing for example which'might be stored in rack construction availing of the rack units hereof, it is often desirable to prevent this by providing a filler block which is illustrated in perspective in FIG. 5 and denoted 20, which may preferably be of wood and generally rectilinear in configuration, having a notch 21 at each end, the upper face 22 of the filler block 20 lying substantially above the upper edges of the flange portions 2 and 3 so that any material being supported by the rack units will largely rest upon the face 22 of such filler block, and thus obviate marring or damaging the surface of whatever material is involved.

In order to maintain the filler block 20 in place, the notch 21 is slipped under the corresponding lower edge of the transverse web 9 for example, and under most circumstances a single notched end will sufiice, but where it is contemplated to maintain the filler block in permanent position in the channel provided, a pair of notches may be provided and thus be positioned beneath opposite transverse webs of the columns 7 and 8 to thereby absolutely prevent removal of the filler blockthis necessitating in installation of the filler block at the time the rack unit is assembled and welded together as heretofore explained. lt is noted, however, that it is not necessary that both notches be provided since one end will suffice for maintaining the filler block in place under most conditions.

We claim:

1. ln rack construction of the class described, in combination, a base member comprising a horizontal web and flange portions extending along opposite sides of said web, and upright column fixed at each end of said base member to thereby form an upwardly open U-shaped rack unit, each column consisting of a body of U-shaped cross section wherein a transverse web is seated at one end on the corresponding end of the base member, vertical side flanges integral with said web extend outwardly in each column and are fixed at their lower ends to the flanges of the base member, and means fixed at the upper end of each column to removably receive the corresponding end of a base member of a similar rack unit, such base member spanning a. space between the columns and thereby restrained against transverse and lateral movement with respect to the first described rack unit.

2. Rack construction as claimed in claim 1, wherein a U- shaped part is fixed at the upper end of each column, with the open side of each facing toward the other to comprise the means to receive the corresponding ends of a rack unit superimposed thereon for the purposes set forth.

3. Rack construction as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange portions extend above and below the horizontal web to substantially increase the strength thereof.

4. Rack construction as claimed in claim 1, wherein a filler block is positioned in the space formed by the horizontal web and flange portions of the base member, said block extending above the edges of such portions, and said block is formed with a notch in at least one end thereof positioned beneath the transverse web of a column, to maintain said block in such position.

5. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the columns comprise substantially identical bodies of U-shaped cross section, facing in outward opposite directions to one another, and portions of the lower ends of said bodies extend outside of and along the base member and are angularly secured thereto.

6. In rack construction of the class described, in combination, a base member, an upright column fixed at each end of said base member to thereby form an upwardly open U- shaped rack unit, means fixed at the upper end of each column to removably receive the corresponding end of a base member of a similar rack unit, such base member spanning the space between the columns and being thereby restrained against transverse and lateral movement with respect to the first described rack unit, each column consisting of a body having vertically extending side flanges, said flanges being fixed at their lower ends to the base member, and means fixed at the upper end of each column are arranged to abut the corresponding ends of the flanges of columns of a substantially identical rack unit superimposed thereon, whereby to transmit at least a portion of a load carried by such superimposed rack unit to said side flanges and thence to the base member of the first mentioned rack unit.

7. The combination as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base member of the first rack unit includes flange portions extending upwardly from a web at opposite sides of said web, such superimposed rack unit includes flange portions extending below a web and at opposite sides thereof, the body of each column includes a transverse web therein connecting the side flanges, said webs engaging the upper edges of the'flange portions of the first rack unit, and the lower edges of the flange portions of such superimposed rack unit to support the portion of the load carried by said superimposed rack which is not carried by the vertical side flanges of the columns of the first rack unit, and the means at the upper end of each column are U-shaped with their open sides facing one another.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 7, wherein a seat plate is fixed at the upper ends of the webs within the means likewise fixed thereto, whereby to engage the lower edges of the flanges of such superimposed rack unit and distribute load carried thereby across the upper ends of the columns of the first rack unit and thereby to the said columns. 

1. In rack construction of the class described, in combination, a base member comprising a horizontal web and flange portions extending along opposite sides of said web, and upright column fixed at each end of said base member to thereby form an upwardly open U-shaped rack unit, each column consisting of a body of Ushaped cross section wherein a transverse web is seated at one end on the corresponding end of the base member, vertical side flanges integral with said web extend outwardly in each column and are fixed at their lower ends to the flanges of the base member, and means fixed at the upper end of each column to removably receive the corresponding end of a base member of a similar rack unit, such base member spanning a space between the columns and thereby restrained against transverse and lateral movement with respect to the first described rack unit.
 2. Rack construction as claimed in claim 1, wherein a U-shaped part is fixed at the upper end of each column, with the open side of each facing toward the other to comprise the means to receive the corresponding ends of a rack unit superimposed thereon for the purposes set forth.
 3. Rack construction as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flange portions extend above and below the horizontal web to substantially increase the strength thereof.
 4. Rack construction as claimed in claim 1, wherein a filler block is positioned in the space formed by the horizontal web and flange portions of the base member, said block extending above the edges of such portions, and said block is formed with a notch in at least one end thereof positioned beneath the transverse web of a column, to maintain said block in such position.
 5. The combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the columns comprise substantially identical bodies of U-shaped cross section, facing in outward opposite directions to one another, and portions of the lower ends of said bodies extend outside of and along the base member and are angularly secured thereto.
 6. In rack construction of the class described, in combination, a base member, an upright column fixed at each end of said base member to thereby form an upwardly open U-shaped rack unit, means fixed at the upper end of each column to removably receive the corresponding end of a base member of a similar rack unit, such base member spanning the space between the columns and being thereby restrained against transverse and lateral movement with respect to the first described rack unit, each column consisting of a body having vertically extending side flanges, said flanges being fixed at their lower ends to the base member, and means fixed at the upper end of each column are arranged to abut the corresponding ends of the flanges of columns of a substantially identical rack unit superimposed thereon, whereby to transmit at least a portion of a load carried by such superimposed rack unit to said side flanges and thence to the base member of the first mentioned rack unit.
 7. The combination as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base member of the first rack unit includes flange portions extending upwardly from a web at opposite sides of said web, such superimposed rack unit includes flange portions extending below a web and at opposite sides thereof, the body of each column includes a transverse web therein connecting the side flanges, said webs engaging the upper edges of the flange portions of the first rack unit, and the lower edges of the flange portions of such superimposed rack unit to support the portion of the load carried by said superimposed rack which is not carried by the vertical side flanges of the columns of the first rack unit, and the means at the upper end of each column are U-shaped with their open sides facing one another.
 8. The combination as claimed in claim 7, wherein a seat plate is fixed at the upper ends of the webs within the means likewise fixed thereto, whereby to engage the lower edges of the flanges of such superimposed rack unit and distribute load carried thereby across the upper ends of the columns of the first rack unit and thereby to the said columns. 